“Compose yourself, Louise.”
“Would you be composed if such an accusation was made against you?” she asked, “by one you dearly loved?”
“My information comes from a detective,” Mr. Field said.
“He told you a falsehood! Would you not take my word before his?”
The banker hesitated.
Far better would it have been for him if he had not.
“Perhaps,” he said, “the man was wrong. Do you mind if I bring him face to face with you to-morrow?”
“You will persist in doubting me;” and, as she spoke, the girl appeared to be highly displeased.
“Louise, I owe a duty to my family,” Mr. Field said; “no one can come in contact with them whom even the breath of suspicion might rest on.”
“What is the name of the man who dares to injure my good name?” she asked, her eyes fastened on him as she awaited the answer.